Waffle Makers & Sandwich Toasters

You grease the inside of the waffle iron and heat the plates. Then pour some waffle batter into the bottom of the waffle iron so that the surface is completely and evenly covered with batter.
Next, gently fold the top of the waffle iron down, without much pressure. Like a sandwich, the waffle batter is formed and baked on both sides. Now you have to be patient. The machine will signal you when your waffle is done. From time to time, you can check the browning of the waffle and remove it from the waffle iron when it has reached your desired browning level.

The preparation time varies from model to model. On devices with adjustable heat levels, the batter takes a little longer if you select the low setting. On maximum heat, the waffle is ready faster, but then a waffle can quickly become too dark, so you should keep an eye on it.
Another influencing factor is the amount of batter you put in the waffle iron. Thin waffles will be ready faster than thick ones. If you like your waffles a little crispier, they will take a few minutes longer.
These are just rough guidelines. Check your waffle maker's manual for exact instructions and recommendations on how long it should take. On average, a waffle takes between two and five minutes in the waffle iron.

The easiest way to clean your waffle iron is immediately after use, when it is still warm. Let the waffle iron cool down sufficiently and remove grease traces and dough residues with a paper towel.
Then take a second, clean piece of kitchen paper, place it inside and close the waffle iron. This will soak up any residues of the baking grease. Do not use detergent, as residues may make the next waffle inedible. For the outside of the waffle iron you can use detergent without any problems.
For stubborn and dried-on residues inside the waffle iron, do not use sharp objects. This will damage the non-stick coating of your waffle iron. For this type of dirt, it is best to use some vegetable oil. Apply this to the stubborn spots and then rub them with a paper towel.
You can also clean your waffle iron by baking a cleaning waffle. Mix water with a tablespoon of cornflour and pour the mixture into your preheated waffle iron. Most of the dirt will stick to the waffle when you take it out of the iron after baking. Then wipe away the residue with a piece of kitchen paper and your waffle iron is ready for the next use.

Greasing your waffle iron is important so that your waffle releases well from the bottom after baking. You can use different greases:

• Clarified butter
• Butter
• Margarine
• Coconut oil
• Rapeseed oil
• Sunflower oil

You should keep the amount of fat you use low. For example, you can use a baking brush to brush the fat sparingly onto the waffle iron. If you don't have a brush, a paper towel is also suitable. You find a wide range of baking brushes in our category “Baking Accessories”.
In the same category you also find non-stick sprays for baking. These usually consist of vegetable-based fats. Spray the grease onto the waffle iron.
Grease not only prevents your waffle from sticking to the iron, but also serves as a flavour carrier and prevents the waffle from becoming too hard or dry at high temperatures.

For many, the perfect waffle is slightly crispy on the outside and fluffy and soft on the inside. To achieve such results, your new waffle iron needs sufficient power.
Low-end waffle irons usually have a power rating of only 400 to 500 watts. With these waffle irons, the waffles stay soft and fluffy for a long time. You then need much more time for a perfect waffle.
Waffle irons with a wattage of 600 to 800 have completely different possibilities and score with a better baking quality of the waffles. These irons also reach the desired baking temperature much faster, which saves you time. Baking the waffles is also faster.

Did you ask yourself: What waffle maker should i buy? There's not one answer to the question which waffle maker is best because it depends on your needs. Of course, there are tests you can consult, but then the best waffle maker in the test may not be the best waffle maker for you.

Nevertheless, it makes sense to have a closer look at the best rated brands: Review10best.com rates the “Global Gourmet” waffle maker by Sensiohome American the best out of 10 tested products, pointing out its convenient light indicator and variable temperature control.
BBCgoodfood.com tested 10 products as well and confirms the TEFAL Snack Time to be the best multifuntional waffle maker and the DUALIT waffle iron to be the best blowout waffle maker.
In the end you need to make your own choice comparing characteristics and prices and determining which one suits your needs best.

Of course, the easiest way to make waffles is by using a waffle maker, but it's another device that needs to be stored somewhere and maybe you don't have enough space for another kitchen appliance.

Then you can make waffles yourself using silicone waffle moulds (see our category “Bakeware” for fitting products) or use a simple frying pan.